Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of
Texas submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Foreign
Affairs

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan,
the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims
in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States
on September 11, 2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at
law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent,
particularly members of the Islamic faith;

Whereas, on September 14, 2001, the House of
Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence
against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the
wake of the terrorist attacks;

Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately
1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

Whereas nearly 6,000 Muslims serve as members of our Armed
Forces;

Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual
renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar
year; and

Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of
Ramadan commences at dusk on September 1, 2008, and continues for one lunar
month: Now, therefore, be it

That—

(1)

during this time of conflict, in order to
demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam
in the United States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives
recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; and

(2)

in
observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic
holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, the House of Representatives
acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and expresses its deepest respect to Muslims
in the United States and throughout the world on this significant
occasion.